Page 71 of Queen of Thorns

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Caelynn

Islip the spell bookinto the new shiny black leather bag Emberly gifted me, and I sling it over my shoulder. My clothes are casual but all in black, as usual. I’m ready for my night of sleuthing.

“Luscious is leaving the palace now.”

I nod as I pace in my room in front of the open window leading out to a courtyard of overgrown shadow maples. The mountains rise over the back of the castle, looming in their powerful way. The mountain range has its own form of natural magic. It’s not quite as impressive as the Whisperwood, but I suppose I’m partial. There are shadow sprites and phantoms in those mountains too, maybe I’d love it just as much.

“How much longer should I wait?” I ask the book.

“The others are gathering already. You could leave at any time, but your magic is low. You don’t want to overuse it. I suggest waiting to limit your time in shadow.”

“You’re an all-knowing spell book, not a mother hen.”

“What good is infinite knowledge if I can’t use it to order people around?”

I chuckle. Truth is, I’m quite happy that it adds in its thoughts. It makes me feel much less alone. I don’t have anyone to bounce ideas off now, and I’ve come to realize how lonely ruling this court is going to be.

I will develop relationships over time, I know. There will be friends whom I can trust. But I will never have a full partner by my side.

Movement in the trees outside my window catches my attention. Shadows twist and dance. Only a Shadow fae could notice the small variances in shade.

“Are those phantoms?”

“Yes.”

I watch the swirling shadows move through the trees for a few minutes, dancing to their silent music. “Have they been out there the whole time?”

“No,” the book whispers. “They have returned due to the resurgence of magic.”

“I did that.”

“Yes.”

From what I can tell there are only two or three, but they sway and swirl. One of their forms grows into something massive. It blows something from its mouth, like a dragon breathing fire, and then it shrinks back into a tiny form and skitters away, like it’s embarrassed of its performance.

“What are they doing?”

“Playing,” the book answers. “They are testing the magic here. There isn’t much for them yet, but it will grow daily.”

“Remind me tomorrow to go visit them.”

“You’re making a difference here.”

I smile, still watching the shifting shadows bounce through the trees. “I know. Thank you.”

The phantoms fade away, as does the excitement. I spin back to the large, shadowed room and the loneliness hits hard, like it has so many times before.